
How to Surf in CS:GO: Ultimate Movement Guide for Beginners
Learning to surf in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) can significantly improve your movement skills and provide hours of entertainment. I'll guide you through everything you need to know to start surfing.
To begin surfing, you'll need to:
1. Connect to a surf server 2. Learn the basic controls 3. Understand the fundamental mechanics
First, let's connect to a surf server. Open CS:GO, click "Play," then "Browse Community Servers." Type "surf" in the search bar and look for servers with names containing "surf_" followed by the map name. Beginner-friendly maps include surf_beginner and surf_easy.
The basic controls for surfing are:
- Hold A or D (never both) while on a ramp - Don't press W (forward) while surfing - Use your mouse to control your trajectory - Keep your crosshair parallel to the ramp
The fundamental mechanic of surfing is using the game's physics to glide along angled surfaces. When you approach a ramp, face the direction you want to go and hold either A or D depending on which side of the ramp you're on:
- For left-sided ramps: Hold D - For right-sided ramps: Hold A
A common beginner mistake is pressing W while surfing. This will cause you to lose momentum and fall off the ramp. Instead, use your mouse movement to control your speed and height on the ramp.
To maintain speed while surfing:
- Stay in the middle of the ramp for maximum control - Keep your crosshair aligned with the angle of the ramp - Make smooth, gentle mouse movements - Look slightly down while surfing to maintain speed
When transitioning between ramps:
1. Release your movement key (A or D) while in the air 2. Turn your character to face the next ramp 3. Press the appropriate key for the new ramp before landing
Practice tips for beginners:
- Start with easy maps labeled "tier 1" or "beginner" - Use checkpoints when available - Focus on completing one stage at a time - Watch experienced surfers to learn proper techniques - Be patient - surfing takes time to master
Once you've mastered the basics, you can improve your skills by:
- Learning air strafing - Practicing speed control - Attempting more challenging maps - Experimenting with different ramp styles
Remember that surfing is all about muscle memory and practice. Don't get discouraged if you fall frequently at first - every experienced surfer started exactly where you are. With consistent practice, you'll soon be gliding through maps with confidence.
Recommended console commands for better surfing:
cl_showpos 1 (shows velocity) fps_max 300 (ensures smooth movement) m_yaw 0.022 (standard mouse sensitivity)
These settings will help you maintain consistent movement and better understand your surfing mechanics.